How Aba Became the Heart of Igbo Hustle Culture

Before Lagos became the go-to for business, Aba was already booming with Igbo energy.

After the Biafran war ended in 1970, Igbo people had almost nothing — just 20 pounds per person regardless of what they had in the bank.

But instead of giving up, many moved to Aba to rebuild. With nothing but raw hustle and brain, they started trading, producing, and networking.

Aba soon turned into a mini-China. Clothes, shoes, electronics, even gadgets — they were making and selling everything from scratch.

That’s how the term “Aba Made” was born — not as an insult, but as proof that creativity can survive any hardship.

Today, people travel from other countries to buy goods from Aba. It’s more than a city — it’s a spirit.

Moral: Real hustlers don’t wait for perfect conditions. They create something from nothing.